Archive for January 2014

The Issue

Years ago when I was starting my career in social work, I interviewed for a position in a continuing care center for the elderly. As the director showed me around the wing for those with dementia, she proudly informed me that, “We don’t let our residents have baby dolls or stuffed animals. We are age-appropriate”. “That’s odd”, I thought as I imagined seniors with Cabbage Patch dolls and teddy bears hidden under their beds until staff was gone for the day.

As a parent of a child with significant intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), I have heard this refrain too. And just as it confused me then, it confuses me now. Let me explain . . . Read full post »

“Make a dent in the Universe” – Steve Jobs

We are at a watershed moment in the world of adults living with developmental disabilities. The virtual tsunami of young- adults who will be aging out of high school and into adulthood is a reality for thousands in the state. Families are navigating the unknown of this next chapter in their adults’ lives and sadly, resources and services are far and few between.

While some may see this as an obstacle, we see opportunity.

Through the new Seattle Children’s Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center, we have before us not only the tremendous opportunity to make a splash in the world of adults with developmental disabilities, but with the collaboration of many other wonderful organizations we are in the position to make a dent. Read full post »

“What is the function of this behavior?” “Better remember to get gas or I won’t make it to work tomorrow.” “Did I turn off the coffee pot before we left?” “Will I be driving her around when I’m 64?” “Why does she do the things she does?”

I bet you thought this blog would address kids with autism who lie. Nope. It’s about parents (of kids with autism) who lie. And I’ll be the first to come clean on this:

I am a lying liar who lies. . .

This realization came to me the day after Thanksgiving as I was sitting at the drive- through window of Starbucks with my daughter not-so-happily vocalizing in response to the interruption to her car ride. The barista asked me if we were on our way to holiday shop and somehow a feeble “yes, we are” came out of my mouth. Boldface lie. We were no more getting near a mall than Superman getting near Kryptonite. Read full post »

What’s New

About This Site

Seattle Children's complies with applicable federal and other civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently based on race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.